Author: hscptcrash

SAT: Not All Doom and Gloom

From the Feeds

Just the one today. You may have already seen it, read it and even shared it. But there will be someone out there who hasn’t so I will not stop sharing it. Jasmine Paris has done womenkind proud this week. Not only did she complete a 268 mile race, she set a new world record time; her
83 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds marks the first time the record has been broken by a women.
That’s not all though. The 35 year old vet from Gladhouse Reservoir completed this challenge while expressing milk. In a world where breastfeeding mother’s are shamed, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for Jasmine and Sophie Power who made the news for breast feeding her son at a rest stop in September during the UTMB. These athletes are empowering women all over the world.

Daily Three

I’m really finding this part difficult at the moment. I’m lacking a spark or a warmth. I know it’s artificial and more to do with the subconscious and semi-conscious thoughts that invade my mind. I’m losing my happy to fictional thoughts and situations. I also have that sense that there’s just something off with the world; like when you look at a picture on a wall and just KNOW its off.
Which is why this daily three is more important than ever. I know, being a woman, the above is a monthly thing and I also know that the longer I persist with these positives, the less likely my cycle will have such an impact on me.

1. A card from one of the classes I used to teach turned up.

2. My dad let me put my tv downstairs and so we now have no issues with sound and it’s a wonderful picture. (Except for the cat scratches)

3. I sent in my CV to The Beatles Story.

Good night, may your Sunday be restful

Love Han x

Why Should You Subscribe? Wildest Dreams Book Box @wdbookbox

Wildest Dreams Book Box: January (Theme was Loyalty)

There’s a ding alerting me to an email. “Your package is on its way”. I’m filled with joy, excitement and a little bit of frustration ‘I want it nooooooow’. Mainly because each month I’m left feeling as if these boxes have been curated with me in mind.

Wildest Dreams Book Box was conceived a little over a year ago by Zoe Collins; an inspiring and wonderful blogger, vlogger and all round awesome person. Her aim was to provide a monthly book box that was inclusive; from the price to the content. Each one centers around a theme for a recently released book and includes tea that is always out of this world and a number of beauty products sourced from up and coming independent companies.

I’ve never really been able to post photos before this month; as most people know my previous abode was not the most photogenic at the end. Plus, most months my box would end up at the post office. Every time I’d say ‘Wait until you’re home to open it.’…. Yeah, that never happened.

So here it finally is; a proud photo of a wonderful, heart-warming subscription box.

January’s Box

I’ve not had a book that I didn’t think I’d like. This month was no exception. Devoted has been a book I’ve coveted since YALC. I missed out on the hard copy proof. I lucked out and managed to bag a Ecopy through NetGalley, but it was certainly one I wanted to own.

I squealed a little at the addition of the wax melt. I’m not one for candles, so this little beauty is perfect for me. All the candles I’ve ever gotten have been so well scented that merely having them out and open is enough to fill a room with a literary smell.

Jewelry and art cards are always a welcome addition in the box. This month’s offerings are stunning and represent loyalty of two fandoms I love; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters. Finally, my favourite part of my monthly Wildest Dreams is the tea. Loyal-tea is perfect for anyone who isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the Christmas spirit. An added joy this month was opening the packet and getting my dad to guess the ingredients.

So, if you’re new to YA and haven’t got a clue where to start or you are simply wanting to gift yourself, or a friend, a monthly postal hug head over to Wildest Dreams and see the subscriptions on offer. Remember to follow on social media for updates on themes, renewal dates and waiting lists: facebook, twitter and Insta.

Love Han x

Not all Doom and Gloom

From the Feeds

This first post is about inclusivity and how easy it can be.

Next up is this novel approach to how to read Fahrenheit 451.

Next is a story about Joe Manganeillo letting his geekness hang out with pride in order to bring joy to a hospital in America.

Daily Three

1. I’ve sorted out the internet and gotten a better deal. I’ve got to wait four more days, but I can cope with that.

2. I gave the kitchen a proper good clean and made spaghetti bolognese.

3. There have been so many little things that have made me smile today; from a blogger who is offering a proof to disadvantaged teens to the Starbucks barista who let me know I was able get a free refill on my coffee. But, the biggest little joy was the fact that there is a job going as an education officer in the Beatle’s Story. Well, if that isn’t a job made for me, I don’t know what is.

No Doom, No Gloom- my Daily Three

Just the Daily Three today

1. I did lots of sorting, binning and organising. It’s a long slog, but I think I’m finally at the point where everything has a place.

2. I’ve been able to send off my carer’s application. Again, another hard slog, but its getting there.

3. I am ending the night with Desperate Housewives. Such an amazing show.

Sorry I haven’t compiled the articles today. I’ve been a little preoccupied.

Sleep well

Han x

Monday No Doom, No Gloom

From the Feeds

Solo post for today is a heartwarming story about the longest surviving kidney transplant recipient.

Daily Three

1. We now have smoke alarms

2. There was the most gorgeous toddler in Starbucks today. She came up to my table and smiled at me and giggled. There is literally nothing better than a smile.

3. My gorgeous and beautiful friend who runs a book subscription company made sure my next subscription is coming to the right address instead of being lost in London. It’s simple things like a message that makes a person a little more… Seen.

No Doom, No Gloom

From the Feeds

It’s been a busy day on my Facebook for NDNG. Perhaps I was in more of a need for it after waking up to news about an explosion in Paris. But nevertheless, here’s some of the best from the feeds.

First is Mike and his mission to end loneliness in the older generation.

Next is a concept that will be amazing and something that should be adopted nationwide, if not abused and vandalised by the general public.

Finally, just a picture I found during my scrolling. Really hit home and made me think.

Daily Three

1. I went to the Vale and had my first pork roll in what feels like forever. Comes with stuffing and crackling. What’s not to love?

2. Book Post! Got to love the book post.

3. Was a nice afternoon snuggling with the cats, while my dad slept away. Yes, the documentary on in the background was a little annoying, but on the most part I drowned it out.

No doom no gloom

From the Feeds

Just one today. A woman after my own heart, getting to express herself after a lifetime of following social norms. Just look at her face…

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/10/granny-80-finally-colours-her-hair-after-not-being-allowed-by-strict-parents-and-husband-8329169/?ito=social

Daily Three

1. We’ve ran out of sugar. That might seem like a negative, but hang on with me on this. Growing up my dad would obsessively stock pile items. Some things, like toilet rolls sort of made sense; they don’t exactly go off do they?! Others were mind boggling; baked beans! We never fucking ate baked beans yet we had enough supply to feed a small army. The one that stuck the test of time was sugar. Two bags, every week. It’s quite bitter sweet to have discovered today that firstly, there’s no god damn sugar for my tea. But secondly, my dad is rather nonplussed about the whole thing.

2. I had a very dear friend suggest the above article. It was so incredibly wonderful to wake up to a message about no doom, no gloom. It’s working; it’s not just me now pausing and making a point of drawing attention to them.

3. I went to see BoRhap as a sing-a-long. I went with two sisters who hadn’t seen it and it makes me happy to know they loved it. The most heart warming part of the evening though was the final 20 minutes in which everyone in the room sang. Oh, it gave me a little, tiny taste of what it must have been like at Live Aid.

Happy Friday

Han x

No doom no gloom

From the feeds

It’s a bit of a bumper addition today.

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/09/adorable-dog-mistakes-vet-visit-hug-session-snuggles-nurse-8326694/?ito=social

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/09/disabled-woman-praises-wedding-shop-window-display-mannequin-wheelchair-8326093/?ito=social

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/first-look-inside-liverpools-new-15176904.amp

https://www.boredpanda.com/dead-tree-little-free-library-sharalee-armitage-howard/

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/10/model-with-downs-syndrome-becomes-brand-ambassador-for-benefit-cosmetics-8330233/?ito=social

https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/10/disabled-man-girlfriend-share-inspiring-relationship-break-stigma-around-disability-8328444/?ito=social

Daily Three

Not going to lie, I feel a little low today. Nothing in particular triggered it, I’m fully medicated and it’s a little early for my PMS. It’s just something that happens occasionally; I feel like the world is a little off.

1 I made a fritatta and it was, well it looked a bit grey but that was the mushrooms. It tasted amazing and got a thumbs up from my dad.

2 I finished my third book of the year and started a book that’s in the Buffy universe.

3 Watched DS9 and it was Dr Bashir focused (sort of).

Good night

Han x

Once & Future

By Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy

“This time, Excalibur chooses her.”

I finally watched Merlin last year. Yes, the BBC version that ended forever ago. Ever since I’ve been hooked on all things Arthurian. When given details about Once & Future, I audiably gasped. This was the book I had always wanted, yet didn’t know I needed.

What I loved most of all was the fact that this was not just a straight retelling; in more ways than one. Yes, its gender bent but with the added element of reincarnation. It was something that reminded me about a play I’d seen in the Globe in which the King in charge of the Crusades was given a second chance and the oportunity not to make the same mistake twice.

Characters

Having Arthur as a woman seems a quick and easy way to put a new book out there. However, it adds so much more to the richness of the tale than that. Ari is not just a gender bent icon. She’s her own person first, with a back story to make anyone weep. She’ll steal your heart and mend your soul while giving you grief.

It’s Merlin’s arrival that brings me the most joy. He is a beautiful character and, for me, the scene stealer from his first arrival. His predicament, his old soul and waining hope is everything you need to wish you were at his side.

Gwen and the knights are stunningly original and powerfully rich in prophesy and lolyalty. You couldn’t have a story without them. Each character is given development, humour and heart.

Story

The story is hot, sexy and unapologicetcally cool. Representation is accounted for, not in some PC checkbox excercise but something so very organic and meaningful. No one is given a label without purpose. Correction, no one is given a label. Gender and sexuality is so freely represented and commented upon that it will keep me, and any reader, happy for many months to come.

The only thing that makes me more intregied is the books final act reveal that will very much change how this organic social structure is considered in the sequel. Something I am very excited to get to.

Writing

The writing is flawlessly engaging. Drama, emotion and action are all presented in smooth and clear ways that will have the reader begging for the follow up the second they finish this first installment.

The 10 O’Clock No Doom, No Gloom

From the feed

First up is a metro post about a 107 year old man who is still cutting hair; making him the oldest barber.

Second is a post I shared earlier today about a marvelous interaction between Chris Evans, Robert D Jnr and Mark Ruffalo.

Finally, we’re going to skim past the vegan part in the post and just giggle at the bit about cigarettes having beaver butt juice in them (although, I will admit that it was funnier when I thought it said courgettes). Just reread that line, regress your brain and giggle away.

Daily Three

1 I got the house to myself for a few hours. Hannah of old would use that time to watch films, stretch out on the couch. Nope, today I cleaned and enjoyed (sort of) every minute of it. Mainly because I’m trying to get the house back into the condition my mum was proud of.

2 I made this amazing mash out of sweet and regular potato, onion and wholegrain mustard. It didn’t quite go with the fish that we had, but you know; learning curve.

3 I love emails. I love communication. Today I’ve have some lovely chats with people today; from my twitter community, friend’s old and new and even some publishers. Just wonderful how different things seem when you get the modern equivalent to a letter.

Good night

Han x

The 10 O’Clock No Doom, No Gloom

From the Feeds

First off is this adorable post which sees a photographer setting up a real life Sylvania Family in his back garden.

Second up is the news about amazing Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and other creatives from the award winning play who bought a drama book shop in order to stop it from closing.

Final no doom, no gloom of the day is an uplifting post from Bradford which announces a new documentary about a young female cricket team.

Daily Three

1 I feel happy. I know that’s not an event or something tangible, but damn it’s a feeling I don’t notice without it being triggered. It’s nice to have that feeling of happy without anything specific causing it.

2 second day Scouse for lunch. Just brilliant.

3 Every day the house gets tidier. The washing is almost all done and my things are almost all packed away. Then… I’ll have nothing to distract me from writing.

Good night

Han x